The two most popular midfield options in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Michu and Marouane Fellaini have stumbled over the last few Gameweeks in terms of attacking returns. Over their last five appearances, Michu has treated his 49% owners to just one goal and a single assist, while Fellaini’s 34% owners have received only one assist, though the Belgian has somewhat redeemed himself by collecting five bonus points in the last two matches.

Nevertheless, their recent lack of form is something of a worry. Although both have mainly been utilised in their usual role in “the hole” for Swansea and Everton respectively of late, Michu has also been fielded as the lone striker, while Fellaini has dropped deep into central midfield on occasion, as highlighted in the second-half of last Monday’s goalless draw at Southampton and Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Bolton. The duo have continued to rack up the transfers in over the last few days, though; Fellaini is third most popular midfielder ahead of next Tuesday evening’s deadline, with over 43,000 FPL managers snapping up his services, while Michu’s bandwagon rolls on relentlessly, with 30,000+ new owners finding a place for the Spaniard in their 15-man squads.

We take a look at each player’s recent form, comparing their displays to previous performances in order to ascertain whether there’s been a reason for a sudden shortage of Fantasy points:

the defence is a bit too weak, but you know that already so I guess that's the way you want to play it...I would however find an extra 1.5 to get clichy, nastasic, j.evans or azpilicueta. you already have 0.7 in the bank so less than that in fact.

I know it's not exactly a great source, but Defoe missed out with a hip injury. AVB is playing it down saying he's likely to be back for Norwich midweek but somehow i don't think so. Defoe was only talking about Leeds last night and looking forward to it, suggesting he aggravated it today. I'm no physio, but I don't see a hip injury recovered in 3 days if it kept him off the team sheet today.

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